Janene Eich Collins Music Studio

Finnigan is pretty enthused about earning another Theory and Technique reward.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1340390468114299&id=100064300764919

A musical smile for Thursday.....thanks to Mark Parisi for sharing.....♫

Finnigan proudly displays his Repertoire reward.

Emersyn garners another prize for a Theory and Technique reward.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1158956626361877&id=100067426520527

Music is often seen as optional, a fun extra if a child has time or interest. But research shows it is far more than a hobby. Music lessons are one of the most powerful ways to grow a child’s brain. Just one year of learning music can raise IQ by an average of seven points, a jump equivalent to moving from average to gifted.

The effects go beyond test scores. Neuroscience shows that playing music strengthens the prefrontal cortex, improving focus, self-control, and planning. It thickens the corpus callosum, the bridge between the left and right brain, allowing faster communication across hemispheres. Rhythmic training also supports language processing, helping reading, speech, and auditory skills.

Musical engagement rewires the brain in ways traditional tutoring cannot. Children who practice music often develop stronger creativity, better problem-solving, and higher adaptability. The best part is that the instrument doesn’t need to be fancy. Family sing-alongs, clapping games, or even learning simple songs produce similar cognitive benefits.

Music is not just enrichment. It is brain training. Every note, beat, and rhythm strengthens the architecture of the mind. When a child plays, sings, or even listens actively, they are building focus, memory, and intelligence.

Invest in rhythm. Music is not decoration. It is growth.

EDIT: Not my intent with my original quote, "Music isn't a subject we teach, it's a gift we share", to be or sound dismissive about the qualifications of music educators who teach music as a formal subject.

I have changed the image to read "Music isn't only a subject we teach. It is also a gift we share".

I believe this reflects my thoughts more accurately/clearly.

Just to clarify, as a music educator, I find that while I am introducing early musical concepts to young children, it always feels like I am sharing a special gift with them, which is why I felt my original image/quote would be relatable to other music educators/people who follow my page.

I was surprised to see that the original quote offended some commenters. Hopefully, though, this revised image and explanation achieves my goal, which is to inspire music educators to continue sharing the gift of music wth their students.

-Nancy

Taya was with me 10 years on piano. I appreciate her intentions and all she accomplished.